Teeth and Pronamel and a chance to win $100!

The ProNamel® brand has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post.
If I could turn back time...

As a follow up to my last post on this subject (previous post) I thought I would write a post to the past me; the brand-new-mom me; the mom who had no idea about kids' teeth or how to care for them better. I hope this helps another new mom out there to get on the right path to helping their kids' teeth as best they can!

Dear New Mom,

This is a very specific letter. We can address the myriad of other frustrating things you are dealing with at another time but right now I want to talk about your kid's teeth and how to set them up for strong healthy teeth in the future.

First, here's some things you did right:

No bottles to bed. No soda. No candy. Limit sugar. You also didn't do the whole pacifier thing, though they didn't give you a whole lot of choice there. You brushed early on! You knew, and did, all of these things because everyone was happy to share this info with you! Great job!

You only get one chance with tooth enamel: once it's gone, it's gone forever. You are off to a good start!

Now here are some things you don't know (that no one bothered to tell you).Avoid too many crunchy foods (like crackers!). Starchy foods leave behind the growth of plaque (source).
Avoid highly acidic foods as they cause the enamel to soften and over time enamel can be worn away.
Keep in mind that all kids are different. Yes, your first child made it look easy. His teeth were freakishly perfect but that's not the norm. Pay a little more attention to your second child's teeth, he has normal ones that need a little extra TLC while they are forming.

Teeth also come in very different shapes. Some are smoother than others and some have much deeper ridges. You have to work a little more with the second ones.
Encourage more follow up with water. After snacking, after meals and especially after anything that is highly acidic. You don't want that acid sitting on those new teeth (source)!
Pay more attention to the toothpaste you use. ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids is a great example of something to look for, it not only helps protect enamel from everyday acids but also from cavities!
Allow a little bit of time to pass between when your kids eat and when they brush their teeth, especially after eating acidic foods as enamel is softer and can be removed by brushing (source).
Above all, know that you are doing a great job! Are you trying? Are you paying attention? Are you doing the best you can with what you have for your kids? Yes? Then that is all you can ask of yourself. And when you learn something, share it with other moms so that they know too!

Need a coupon to try ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids? Go HERE Connect with ProNamel® on Twitter|Pinterest|YouTubeThis is a sponsored post but entirely my own opinion and experience.

If you could write a letter to your past self, what would you tell them? Tell me in the comments and you will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card!Entry Instructions:No duplicate comments.You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.The Official Rules are availablehere.This sweepstakes runs from 9/13 – 9/30Be sure to visit theProNamel® brand pageonBlogHer.comwhere you can read other bloggers’ posts!Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by ProNamel® or GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

A letter to myself would be that I would say no to so many sugared treats, making sure that I get you to brush your teeth more, and take you into the dentist right away when I see that your teeth are not healthy!!

If I could write a letter to my past self, I would tell myself to slow down & enjoy all our family time, because they really do grow up too fast! I would also tell my past self to relax & all you can do is the best you can do!

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